2017 predictions
LOOK TO THE FUTURE NOW …
As 2016 draws to a close , DCN calls on some of the industry ’ s leading experts to look at the big trends they expect to see in 2017 .
Michael Hack SVP of EMEA operations Ipswitch As we head into 2017 , the adoption rate of Intelligent Systems ( machines with decision making and learning capabilities ) will continue to increase . With it will come a raft of new complex challenges . At the top of the list will be how to deal with busier and more difficult to monitor network infrastructures , and the added layer of complexity introduced by official and unsanctioned intelligent systems that are present on corporate networks . Intelligent Systems , however , can be part of the solution too . Indeed , research commissioned by Ipswitch shows that at the close of this year , almost nine out of 10 IT professionals have already invested in one or more intelligent systems to help them get a grip on increasingly difficult to manage corporate networks . But it ’ s not just officially sanctioned Intelligent Systems that will continue gaining prominence on corporate networks next year ; Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) technology is truly pervasive and is already cropping up all over the place . As such it ’ s not surprising to see that , according to our research , over three quarters ( 78 per cent ) of IT professionals are struggling right now with the challenges and threats of Intelligent Systems – not least keeping tabs on their presence and activity on corporate networks . Furthermore , over half ( 54 per cent ) say their current analysis and visualisation capabilities will struggle to keep up with the broader march of Intelligent Systems . This situation is only likely to become more pronounced in 2017 , when we really will witness ‘ the rise of the machines ’.
Chris Spain VP of cloud solutions Cradlepoint The wide area network ( WAN ) as we know it is dead . Why build a private network to backhaul traffic to a data centre only to pass the majority directly to the Internet ? The WAN needs to connect people , places and things to internal and external applications . For instance , mobile healthcare workers and first responders need their equipment , uniforms with cameras and vehicles to be securely connected and managed whilst they are working in the field . This is all now possible through the cloud and I believe that in 2017 we will see software defined networking truly come to the fore . It is more simple , agile and flexible , and it comes at a much lower cost than traditional WAN alternatives .
Timothy Arnold Colo technology director Six Degrees Group According to the World Meteorological Organisation , global temperatures in 2016 are set to be the highest ever on record . With this in mind and as we move into 2017 , I have been thinking about the energy efficiency of our own business ,
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